Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards at all warehouse locations

Costco takes most major credit cards and debit cards, but not all of them. The warehouse chain stopped accepting American Express in 2016 and switched to Visa as its primary card partner. Today, Costco accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express — though American Express acceptance varies slightly by location. Debit cards work at every Costco warehouse, as long as they carry a Visa or Mastercard logo.

You can also pay with cash, checks, and Costco Cash cards (the warehouse's own gift card product). Online orders through Costco.com have slightly different rules: you can use the same credit and debit cards, but cash and checks are not an option.

Key Takeaways

  • Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are accepted at Costco warehouse locations, though American Express acceptance may vary by store.
  • Debit cards work at Costco as long as they display a Visa or Mastercard logo.
  • Cash and personal checks are accepted in-warehouse but not for online orders.
  • Costco Cash cards (Costco's gift cards) can be used for purchases at any warehouse location.
  • The Costco Anywhere Visa card offers rewards on Costco purchases and is accepted everywhere Visa is taken.

Credit cards Costco accepts

Costco's main credit card partners are Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Visa is the primary card — Costco has a co-branded credit card with Visa called the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, which earns rewards on Costco purchases. Any Visa card from any bank will work at checkout.

Mastercard and Discover cards are also accepted at all warehouses. American Express acceptance is more limited: most Costco locations take it, but a small number of warehouses may not, so it is worth confirming with your local store if you plan to use an Amex card. Store-branded American Express cards (like those from specific retailers) may not be accepted even if regular American Express cards are.

Debit cards and PIN-based payments

Any debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo will work at Costco. You can run it as a credit card (no PIN required) or as a debit card (with a PIN). The choice is yours at checkout — the cashier will ask which way you want to process it.

Costco does not accept cards that are Discover-branded debit cards or American Express debit cards, even though the credit card versions of those brands are accepted. Stick with Visa or Mastercard debit cards to avoid a declined transaction.

Cash and check payments

Costco accepts cash at every warehouse location. There is no minimum or maximum cash amount — you can pay your entire bill in cash if you choose. The warehouse does not charge a fee for paying with cash.

Personal checks are also accepted in-warehouse, though Costco requires a valid driver's license or state ID to process a check. Checks must be written in U.S. dollars. Online orders cannot be paid with cash or checks — you must use a credit or debit card for Costco.com purchases.

Costco Cash cards and gift cards

Costco Cash is Costco's gift card product, and it works like a prepaid card at checkout. You can use a Costco Cash card to pay for your entire purchase or to cover part of it (and pay the rest with another method). Costco Cash cards never expire and do not lose value over time.

You can buy Costco Cash cards at any warehouse location or online. They come in denominations you choose, and you can reload them at the register or through your Costco account online. If you lose a Costco Cash card, you can contact Costco to replace it if you have the card number or receipt.

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card and rewards

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Visa and Costco. It earns cash back rewards on Costco purchases: 2% on gas, 2% on travel booked through Costco Travel, and 1% on all other Costco purchases. The card also earns 1% cash back on all other purchases outside Costco.

This card is accepted anywhere Visa is taken, not just at Costco. You do not have to be a Costco member to open the card, but you do need to be a member to use the rewards at Costco. The card has an annual fee, which varies — check Costco.com or ask at the membership desk for current pricing.

Online payment options at Costco.com

Costco.com accepts fewer payment methods than the warehouse does. You can pay with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express credit and debit cards. You can also use the Costco Anywhere Visa Card. PayPal is not accepted on Costco.com.

Cash, checks, and Costco Cash cards cannot be used for online orders. If you want to use a Costco Cash card, you will need to visit a warehouse location in person. Some Costco.com orders can be picked up at a warehouse, and you can pay with any accepted method at pickup.

What to do if your card is declined

If your card is declined at Costco, the most common reason is that it is not one of the accepted brands. Check that your card is Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express. If it is, contact your bank — the decline may be a fraud hold or an issue with your account.

If you have an American Express card and it is declined, ask the cashier whether that specific Costco location accepts American Express. A small number of warehouses do not, so you may need to use a different card or pay with cash. If you are paying online and your card is declined, double-check that you entered the card number, expiration date, and CVV correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Costco take Apple Pay or Google Pay?

Costco does not accept mobile wallet payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay at warehouse locations or on Costco.com. You must use a physical card or pay with cash or a check in-warehouse. This policy applies to all Costco locations in the United States.

Can I use a prepaid card at Costco?

Yes, as long as the prepaid card carries a Visa or Mastercard logo. Prepaid cards that are branded as Discover or American Express may not work. Check the front of your prepaid card to see which network it uses, and confirm with the card issuer if you are unsure.

What if I want to pay with a card from a bank outside the United States?

International cards that carry a Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express logo will work at Costco warehouses. Your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee, so check with them before traveling. Online orders on Costco.com may have restrictions on international cards — contact Costco customer service if your card is declined.

Can I split a payment between two cards at Costco?

Yes. You can pay part of your bill with one card and the rest with another card, cash, or a check. Tell the cashier how much you want to charge to each payment method, and they will process them separately. This works the same way in-warehouse and at self-checkout.

Does Costco charge a fee for paying with a credit card?

No. Costco does not charge customers a fee for using a credit card, debit card, or any other accepted payment method. The price you see is the price you pay, regardless of how you pay.